Applicator Assembly

ABSTRACT

An applicator cup for user with a motorized handle for applying cosmetics. The applicator cup includes an applicator configured to apply a liquid or powder substance (e.g., such as cosmetics, makeup, lotion, sunblock, sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, cream, or any other appropriate substance) to a user&#39;s body. The applicator cup may be configured to enable a user to selectively attach the applicator cup to the motorized handle substantially without touching the applicator. The applicator cup is adapted to enable a user to use the applicator cup in combination with a handle, such as a motorized handle, to apply the liquid or powder substances to the user&#39;s body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/677,861, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled “ApplicatorAssembly,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

People may desire improved cosmetic and other applicators. Accordinglythere is a need for improved systems and methods to address theseissues.

SUMMARY

An applicator assembly, according to various embodiments, comprises asubstantially cylindrical applicator cup that defines anapplicator-receiving recess adjacent a top face of the cup, anattachment recess adjacent a bottom face of the cup, and at least onefinger grip disposed adjacent an upper portion of the cup. In particularembodiments, the applicator assembly further comprises an applicatordisposed at least partially within the applicator-receiving recess. Iparticular embodiments, the at least one finger grip is adapted to allowa user to selectively attach and remove the applicator cup from a handlesubstantially without touching the applicator.

A method of applying cosmetics, according to various embodiments,comprises providing a substantially cylindrical applicator cup definingan applicator-receiving recess adjacent a top face of the cup, anattachment recess adjacent a bottom face of the cup, and at least onefinger grip disposed adjacent an upper portion of the cup; andcomprising an applicator disposed at least partially within theapplicator-receiving recess. In various embodiments, the at least onefinger grip is adapted to allow a user to selectively attach and removethe applicator cup from a handle substantially without touching theapplicator. In particular embodiments, the method further comprisesproviding a motorized handle, the motorized handle comprising a rotatingportion that substantially corresponds to the attachment recess and isconfigured to cause the applicator cup to rotate at least partially inresponse to rotation of the rotating portion when the applicator cup isattached to the motorized handle. In various embodiments, the methodfurther comprises applying cosmetic to the applicator, attaching theapplicator cup to the motorized handle, activating the motorized handle,and applying the cosmetic to a desired area of a user's body.

An applicator cup, according to various embodiments, comprises asubstantially cylindrical cup body portion comprising a substantiallycircular top face and a substantially circular bottom face. Inparticular embodiments, the cup body portion defines a substantiallycircular applicator receiving recess adjacent the top face and anattachment recess adjacent the bottom face. In various embodiments, theapplicator cup further comprises at least one finger grip extendingsubstantially outward from an outer surface of the cup body. Inparticular embodiments, the applicator cup is configured to enable auser to at least partially insert an applicator into the applicatorreceiving recess, and to at least partially insert the applicator cupinto a handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of an applicator assembly are described below. Inthe course of this description, reference will be made to theaccompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, andwherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of an applicator cup for usewith a makeup brush, or other suitable applicator, such as one of themakeup brushes that are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/087,212, entitled “Cosmetic Applicator Systems,” which was filed onApr. 14, 2011, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. These figures show the applicator cup with various alternativeattachment recesses and, in one embodiment, an attachment shaft. Inthese embodiments, the applicator cup includes no finger grip adjacentits upper portion. The various structural features of the applicator cupare described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of an applicator cup withvarious alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, anattachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes twosmall finger grips adjacent its upper portion that, in variousembodiments, are dimensioned to allow a user to grasp the applicator cupwithout touching an applicator that is positioned adjacent theapplicator cup.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of an applicator cup withvarious alternative attachment recesses and, in one embodiment, anattachment shaft. In these embodiments, the applicator cup includes asingle finger grip that extends circumferentially around (e.g.,partially or entirely circumferentially around) its upper portion. Invarious embodiments, this finger grip is dimensioned to allow a user tograsp the applicator cup without touching an applicator that ispositioned adjacent the applicator cup.

FIG. 4 shows exemplary handles for use with an applicator cup, such asthe applicator cups shown in FIGS. 1A and B, FIGS. 2A and B, and FIGS.3A and B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which various relevantembodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

Applicator Cup

An applicator cup 100 according to various embodiments is shown in FIGS.1-3. As shown in these figures, the applicator cup 100 may comprise asubstantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical), at least partiallyhollow, cup body portion 110 that includes a side wall 110, a top face120, and a bottom face 130. In particular embodiments, the cup bodyportion 110 may have a substantially circular (e.g., circular) crosssection. The cup body portion 110 may define an applicator-receivingrecess 140 adjacent (e.g., extending through) the cup's top face 120 andan attachment recess 150 adjacent (e.g., extending through) the cup'sbottom face 130. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown inFIG. 2A, the applicator cup 200 includes at least one finger grip 260disposed adjacent the cup's upper portion. The finger grip 260 may be,for example, a protrusion that extends outwardly from the cup bodyportion's outer surface.

Cup

As shown in FIG. 1A, the cup's body portion 110 may be substantiallycylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) with a diameter between, for example,about 20 mm and about 40 mm. In particular embodiments, the cup's bodyportion 110 may have a diameter of about 29.4 mm. In variousembodiments, the cup's body portion 110 may have a height between about20 mm and about 40 mm. In particular embodiments, the cup's body portion110 has a height of 31.8 mm. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, thecup's body portion 110 defines a top 120 and bottom face 130 and definesa beveled edge on the outer circumference of the edge of the cup'sbottom face 130. In other embodiments, the cup's body portion 110 maydefine any other suitable edge (e.g., round or square) on the outercircumference of the edge of the cup's bottom face 130.

Applicator-Receiving Recess

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cup's body portion 110defines an applicator-receiving recess 140 that is substantiallycentered (e.g., centered) relative to the cup's top face 120. In theembodiments shown in these figures, the applicator-receiving recess 140is substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) and has a diameter thatis between about 15 mm and 39 mm. In particular embodiments, theapplicator-receiving recess 140 has a diameter of about 28.1 mm. Incertain embodiments, the applicator-receiving recess 140 has a diameterthat is about 0.5 mm less than the cup's diameter. In the embodimentsshown in these figures, the applicator-receiving recess 140 is betweenabout 18 mm and 39 mm deep. In particular embodiments, theapplicator-receiving recess 140 is about 24 mm deep. In otherembodiments, the applicator-receiving recess 140 may be any depthsuitable for housing an applicator.

In various embodiments, the cup's body portion 110 may be adapted tomaintain an applicator at least substantially within (e.g., within) theapplicator-receiving recess 140. The applicator may, for example,comprise a brush, sponge, or any other suitable applicator for applyingeither a liquid or powder substance (e.g., such as cosmetics, makeup,lotion, sunblock, sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, cream, or any other appropriate substance). Invarious embodiments, an applicator may be adapted for applyingsubstances in a plurality of forms (e.g., liquid, powder, or any othersuitable form). In particular embodiments, the applicator is adapted toapply cosmetics or lotions while rotating. The applicator may, forexample, be adapted to substantially maintain its shape and structureafter repeated use.

The applicator may include a brush comprising bristles of any suitablelength (e.g., between about 10 mm and about 80 mm). The bristles may bemade of any suitable material (e.g., natural or synthetic material).

Attachment Recess

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the cup's body portion 110 may define one ormore attachment recesses (e.g., attachment recesses 150) that aresuitable for use in attaching the applicator cup 110 to a handle whenthe cup's body portion 110 is attached to the handle. The handle may,for example, be a motorized handle or any other handle suitable for usein applying cosmetics. Referring briefly to FIG. 4, an exemplary handle400 and an exemplary motorized handle 450 are shown.

As may be understood from FIGS. 1A-1B, the attachment recess 150B-F maybe defined adjacent the cup's bottom face 130. The attachment recess150B-F may be sized to receive a corresponding portion (e.g., a rotatingportion) of a motorized handle when the applicator cup 100 is attachedto the motorized handle. In various embodiments, the engagement betweenthis portion of the motorized handle and the applicator cup 100 causesthe applicator cup 100 to rotate when the motorized handle's rotatingportion rotates. In particular embodiments, the applicator cup 100 maydefine an attachment recess that is between about 2 mm deep and about 14mm deep.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show various embodiments of the applicator cup 100A-100Ghaving different attachment recess configurations 150B-F. Theseexemplary embodiments are described more fully below:

No Attachment Recess

In particular embodiments, the applicator cup 110 may define noattachment recess (See applicator cup 110A in FIG. 1A). In suchembodiments, the applicator cup 110 may be adapted to be attached to abrush without the use of an attachment recess.

Figure Eight

The brush cup 100B shown in FIG. 1A defines an attachment recess 150Bthat is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup'sbottom face 130B, and that has a profile that includes two at leastpartially overlapping circles.

Multi-Hole

The brush cup 100C shown in FIG. 1A defines four attachment recesses 50Cwhose profiles are substantially circular (e.g., circular). Theattachment recesses 150C are defined in an outer portion of the cup'sbottom face 130. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the cup 110Cdefines the four attachment recesses 150C that are substantiallyevenly-spaced (e.g., evenly-spaced) about a circle having a radius thatis substantially centered (e.g., centered) on the cup's bottom face130C. In other embodiments, the cup 110C may define any other suitableplurality of attachment recesses (e.g., two, three, etc.).

Multi-Sided

The brush cup 100D shown in FIG. 1B defines an attachment recess 150Dthat is substantially centered (e.g., centered) adjacent the cup'sbottom face 130, and that has a profile that is substantially octagonal(e.g., octagonal). In various embodiments, the cup 110D may define anattachment recess that is substantially centered (e.g., centered)adjacent the cup's bottom face 130D. In this embodiment, the profile ofthe attachment recess is that of a shape with any suitable number ofsides (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal,etc.)

Cross

The brush cup 100E shown in FIG. 1B defines two attachment recesses 150Ethat are substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) and substantiallyperpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) to one another (e.g., so that therecesses 150E cooperate to form a cross). In this embodiment, the twoattachment recesses are each substantially parallel (e.g., parallel) toa radius of the cup's bottom face 130E.

Serpentine

In the embodiment 100F shown in FIG. 1B, the cup 110F defines anattachment recess 150F that is substantially S-shaped (e.g., S-shaped).

Shaft

In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment 100G shown in FIG. 1B,the cup 110G comprises an attachment shaft 150G (rather than anattachment recess). In the embodiment shown in this figure, theattachment shaft 150G extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g.,perpendicularly) from and is substantially centered relative to thecup's bottom face 130G. In the embodiment 100G shown in this figure, theattachment shaft 150G has a profile that is substantially octagonal(e.g., octagonal) and that extends about 7 mm from the cup's bottomsurface. In other embodiments, the attachment shaft 150G may extendbetween about 3 mm and about 15 mm from the cup's bottom surface.

In various embodiments, the attachment shaft 150G may have any othersuitable profile. For example, the attachment shaft 150G may have aprofile that is similar to any of the profiles of the attachmentrecesses described above (e.g., figure eight, multi-hole, multi-sided,cross, or serpentine).

Finger Grip

In various embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, thecup 210 may comprise at least one finger 260 grip that extends radiallyoutward from the cup's outer surface. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.2A-2B, the cup 210 comprises two finger grips 260 that are disposed onopposing faces adjacent the cup's upper portion. In various embodiments,the finger grips 260 may have a width (between the portion of the fingergrip that engages the rest of the cup, and the outer portion that a userwould engage when using the finger grip to lift the cup) between about 5mm and 15 mm. In particular embodiments, the finger grips 260 may have awidth of about 7 mm. In various embodiments, the finger grips 260 have aheight of between about 4 mm and about 15 mm. In particular embodiments,the finger grips 260 have a height of about 9.6 mm.

It should be understood that finger grips 260 may, for example, have anywidth and height suitable for allowing a user to grip the applicator cup210 using the finger grips 260 (e.g., by squeezing their thumb and indexfinger against the respective finger grips in order to lift or move thecup). In particular embodiments, the finger grips 260 may be of asuitable size and shape to maintain the user's fingers spaced apart fromthe applicator when handling the applicator cup.

In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, thecup 310 may comprise a finger grip 360 that extends along substantiallythe entire circumference of the cup's outer surface. In the embodimentshown in these figures, the finger grip 360 is disposed adjacent thecup's upper portion.

In various embodiments, the finger grips may be adapted to allow a userto insert the applicator cup 210 into, or remove it from, a motorizedhandle substantially without touching the applicator. In particularembodiments, the applicator cup 210 is configured to enable a user touse the applicator cup 210 in conjunction with the motorized handle toapply cosmetics. In various embodiments, the applicator cup 210 isconfigured to rotate at a speed of between about 92 and about 489revolutions per minute when used in conjunction with the motorizedhandle. In particular embodiments, the motorized handle may beconfigured to apply a torque of between about 6 and about 34 ounceinches. In various embodiments, the motorized handle may be configuredto enable the user to adjust the speed of the motorized handle's motor.In other embodiments, the motorized handle may be configured to enable auser to adjust a torque that the motorized handle applies to theapplicator cup 210 when the applicator cup 210 is being used inconjunction with the motorized handle.

In particular embodiments, the finger grips 260 may be adapted to allowthe user to move, install, uninstall, and/or otherwise use theapplicator cup 210 substantially without touching any of the substancethat is to be applied with the applicator (e.g., makeup, lotion, liquidfoundation, powder foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, orany other substance that may be applied with the applicator). In variousembodiments, the applicator may be adapted for longer use as a result ofavoiding exposure to contaminants (e.g., oils) on the user's hands.

Exemplary Use

The applicator cup described above may be utilized as part of a methodof applying any of a plurality of cosmetics or other substances to auser's skin. The user may first select an applicator assembly thatincludes: (1) an applicator cup; and (2) an applicator that is installedin the applicator cup, so that the applicator extends beyond the end ofthe applicator cup's top face. The applicator may be, for example, aparticular brush or sponge that is suitable for applying the particularcosmetic, or other substance to the user's skin. Suitable substancesinclude both powder or liquid substances, for example, lotion, liquidfoundation, powder foundation, concealer, eye shadow, blush, bronzer, orany other suitable substance. The user may then pick up the applicatorassembly by lifting it via the finger grips on the sides of theapplicator cup.

Next, the user may attach the applicator assembly, attachment recessside first, to a suitable handle. The handle may, for example, be amotorized handle or any other handle suitable for applying cosmetics orother substances (e.g., a non-motorized handle). The handle may define asubstantially circular (e.g., circular) recess with a diameter that issufficiently large to allow the applicator assembly to be easilyinserted into the recess and to rotate within the recess, and that issufficiently small to allow the applicator assembly to fit snugglywithin the recess once inserted. While inserting the cup into thehandle's recess, the user may align the cup's attachment recess(es) withthe handle's corresponding attachment protrusion(s). In particularembodiments, when the applicator assembly is installed on the handle,the attachment protrusion(s) may extend from the handle into thehandle's recess(es). In various embodiments, such as in the case of amakeup brush assembly that includes a motorized handle, the attachmentprotrusions may be adapted to rotate about an axis, which may, forexample, be substantially centered (e.g., centered) within and runsubstantially perpendicular to (e.g., perpendicular to) the handle'srecess. An example of a suitable handle for use with the applicatorassembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,212,entitled “Cosmetic Applicator Systems,” which was filed on Apr. 14,2011, and which—as noted above—is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

The user may then apply makeup using the handle and applicator cupassembly by, for example, placing cosmetic on the applicator, activatingthe motorized handle, and applying cosmetic to the desired area of thebody using the rotating applicator). When the user wishes to applymakeup using a different applicator, the user may simply detach thecurrent applicator assembly from the handle, attach a new applicatorassembly to the handle, and proceed as described above.

Other Suitable Uses

Stand-Alone Applicator Cup

In particular embodiments, an applicator cup such as the applicator cupdescribed above may be utilized as a stand-alone applicator (e.g., maybe suitable for applying a substance without attaching the applicatorcup and applicator to a separate handle). In such embodiments, a usermay apply a substance (e.g., makeup, cosmetic, lotion, cream, or othersuitable substance) by installing an appropriate applicator in theapplicator cup, and applying the substance by gripping the applicatorcup (e.g., using their fingers).

Applicator Cup Combined with Recess-Free Handle

In particular embodiments, the applicator cup is adapted for use with asuitable handle that does not define a recess for accepting theapplicator cup. In such embodiments, the applicator cup may be adaptedto attach to an end of the handle such that the applicator cup is atleast partially exposed (e.g., fully exposed) when attached to thehandle.

Upright Storage

In particular embodiments, the applicator cup is adapted to standsubstantially upright (e.g., upright) on its bottom face when placed,for example, on a flat support surface (e.g., a counter, table, or othersuitable surface). In such embodiments, an applicator installed in theapplicator cup may sit upright within the applicator cup'sapplicator-receiving recess when the applicator cup is standing on itsbottom face. In particular embodiments, placing the applicator cup in aposition in which the applicator cup is standing on its bottom face mayat least substantially (e.g., substantially) protect the integrity ofthe installed applicator (e.g., by allowing the applicator to stand in arested, upright position in which the applicator does not come intocontact with the support surface (e.g., as the applicator would if itwere rested, for example, on its side)).

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by oneskilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the inventionmay take form in a variety of different mechanical and operationalconfigurations. As a particular example, in certain embodiments, theapplicator cup may be sufficiently thick to allow a user to grip the cupsubstantially without touching the applicator. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.

I claim:
 1. An applicator assembly comprising: a substantiallycylindrical applicator cup that defines: (a) an applicator-receivingrecess adjacent a top face of said cup, (b) an attachment recessadjacent a bottom face of said cup, and (C) at least one finger gripdisposed adjacent an upper portion of said cup; and an applicatordisposed at least partially within said applicator-receiving recess,wherein: said at least one finger grip is adapted to allow a user toselectively attach and remove said applicator cup from a handlesubstantially without touching said applicator.
 2. The applicatorassembly of claim 1, wherein: said handle is a motorized handle; andsaid attachment recess is adapted to cooperate with a correspondingrotating portion of said motorized handle such that, when saidapplicator assembly is attached adjacent said handle, the rotation ofsaid rotating portion of said motorized handle causes said applicatorcup to rotate.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said motorized handleis configured to rotate said rotating portion at a speed of betweenabout 92 and about 489 revolutions per minute.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein said motorized handle is configured to apply a torque of betweenabout 6 and about 34 ounce inches to said applicator cup when saidapplicator cup is at least partially attached to said motorized handle.5. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said attachment recess issubstantially circular.
 6. The applicator assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid attachment recess is substantially S-shaped.
 7. The applicatorassembly of claim 1, wherein said attachment recess is substantiallyoctagonal.
 8. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said cupdefines a plurality of attachment recesses.
 9. The applicator assemblyof claim 1, wherein said at least one finger grip comprises a pluralityof finger grips.
 10. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said atleast one finger grip extends around the entire circumference of anouter surface of said cup.
 11. The applicator assembly of claim 1,wherein: said at least one finger grip comprises a first finger grip anda second finger grip; and said first finger grip and said second fingergrip are disposed on opposing faces of said outer surface of said cup.12. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said first finger gripand said second finger grip extend substantially radially outward fromsaid outer surface of said cup.
 13. A method of applying cosmetics, saidmethod comprising: providing a substantially cylindrical applicator cup,wherein said applicator cup: defines: (a) an applicator-receiving recessadjacent a top face of said cup; (b) an attachment recess adjacent abottom face of said cup; and (C) at least one finger grip disposedadjacent an upper portion of said cup; and comprises an applicatordisposed at least partially within said applicator-receiving recess,wherein said at least one finger grip is adapted to allow a user toselectively attach and remove said applicator cup from a handlesubstantially without touching said applicator; providing a motorizedhandle, said motorized handle comprising an attachment protrusion thatsubstantially corresponds to said attachment recess in size and shapeand is configured to cause said applicator cup to rotate at leastpartially in response to rotation of said rotating portion when saidapplicator cup is attached to said motorized handle; attaching theapplicator cup to the motorized handle by at least partially insertingthe motorized handle's attachment protrusion into the applicator cup'sattachment recess; applying cosmetic to the applicator; activating themotorized handle; and applying said cosmetic to a desired area of auser's body.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said attachmentrecesses has a profile selected from a group consisting of: (i) asubstantially octagonal profile (ii) a substantially S-shaped profile;and (iii) a substantially circular profile.
 15. The method of claim 13,wherein said at least one finger grip comprises a plurality of fingergrips.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein said at least one finger gripextends around the entire circumference of an outer surface of said cup.17. The method of claim 13, wherein said motorized handle is configuredto rotate said attachment protrusion at a speed of between about 92 andabout 489 revolutions per minute.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinsaid motorized handle is configured to apply a torque of between about 6and about 34 ounce inches to said applicator cup when said applicatorcup is at least partially attached to said motorized handle.
 19. Anapplicator cup, comprising: a substantially cylindrical cup body portioncomprising: a substantially circular top face; and a substantiallycircular bottom face, wherein: said cup body portion defines asubstantially circular applicator receiving recess adjacent said topface and an attachment recess adjacent said bottom face; and at leastone finger grip extending substantially outward from an outer surface ofsaid cup body, wherein: said applicator cup is configured to enable auser to at least partially insert an applicator into said applicatorreceiving recess, and to at least partially insert said applicator cupinto a handle.
 20. The applicator cup of claim 19, wherein saidattachment recess has a profile selected from a group consisting of: (i)a substantially octagonal profile (ii) a substantially S-shaped profile;and (iii) a substantially circular profile.